Mercedes is currently developing a super light version of its popular E-Class reports Auto Bild magazine. Through an extensive use of carbon fiber, Mercedes is hoping to shave off an impressive 770-lbs from the current models, targeting a curb weight of under 2,900 lbs. By using a carbon fiber structure, Mercedes will be able to eliminate the B-pillar, possibly creating more radical designs on the popular E-Class chassis.

Naturally with a lighter body, these superlight E-Classes will sport even better performance with a more favorable power-to-weight ratio. This would also benefit in the mpg department if Mercedes opts to use smaller and more fuel efficient engines in order to power the svelte E-Class. Rumor has it that Mercedes has these E-Classes scheduled to release sometime in 2015 and will hopefully produce around 20,000 annually.

Brabus is claiming to have built the world’s most powerful and fastest four-seater cabriolet, outfitting Mercedes-Benz‘s E-Class Cabriolet with an 800-hp V12 Biturbo powerplant. The result is a made-to-order E-Class Cabriolet with a price tag of $681,000 (based on today’s conversion rates).

The 800-hp V12 engine uses the three-valve S600 motor but stroked to 6.3-liters with plenty of headwork. Along with the reworked motor, Brabus bolts on two special exhaust manifolds with larger turbochargers. Four water-to-air intercoolers provide more than adequate cooling while all the gasses are expelled from a quad-tipped exhaust system. Under the custom hood is an integrated carbon fiber ram-air intake manifold. The peak torque of the 6.3L is an astonishing 1,047 lb-ft, but the E-Class Cabriolet is electronically limited to 811 lb-ft.

To enhance the exterior appearance of this 800-hp convertible beast, Brabus outfits it with an aerodynamic kit featuring a front apron with LED daytime lights and front and rear widebody fenders – with the rear in carbon fiber and going 2.4-inches wider. This allows for a front pair of 19×9.5-inch wheels with 265/30/19 tires while the rear gets 19×10-inch wheels with 295/30/19 Yokohama tires.

Of course with all this work being done to provide plenty of power to the vehicle and enhancing its look, suspension modifications were done with Brabus’ coilover suspension with 10-way adjustable Bilstein shocks. Height adjustments can be made up to 1.4-inches. Alongside the coilovers is a set of 12-piston front calipers and 6-piston rear calipers with larger rotors.

And as always interior upgrades can be had catered to the buyer’s preferences, with this first model featuring a red and black leather scheme. Carbon fiber can be seen on the dashboard, center console and side trim.

For such an insane price, we understand why the vehicle is made to order. We’re curious to see how many vehicles Brabus ends up selling with that price tag.

GALLERY: Brabus E-Class 800 V12 Cabriolet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a bulletin citing that fuel filters on certain Mercedes-Benz models that could leak at the O-ring seals due to improper lubrication of said seals.

Although the NHTSA bulletin specifically focused on diesel-engined models, M-B extended the recall to cover gas engined vehicles as well. As it stands, the recall affects some 2,300 vehicles in total including 2011 E-Class passenger cars as well as the GL (shown); M and R-Class SUVs/Crossovers. Mercedes-Benz said that the defective fuel filters will be replaced free of charge by authorized dealers, beginning this month.

There’s no doubt that a nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) will affect a purchasing decision on your next family vehicle. So if you’re living large and luxurious, you’ll be pleased to hear that two large luxury cars earned the IIHS’s 2010 Top Safety Pick awards.

The Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes E-Class were picked for this prestigious honor. Only vehicles that earn a top rating of good for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, and that have electronic stability control can be considered, and both of these cars made the grade.

Hyundai launched Genesis in the 2009 model year, however, it made changes to the roof structure to improve protection in rollover crashes for its 2010 model (the Top Safety Pick award applies to Genesis models built after January 2010).

Even though the Mercedes E class has been around for decades, this is the first time the model that has driven away with IIHS’s top rating. Redesigned for the 2010 model year, changes were made to the padding in the front and rear doors to improve protection in side impact crashes (the Top Safety Pick award applies to E Class models built after March 2010).

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safey]

See AutoGuide’s reviews of these cars after the jump:

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We still have more than half of 2009 to go and already the list of 2010 North American Car & Truck of the Year nominees have been picked. That’s because the list is essentially a list of every new model for 2010.

Nominated for car of the year are: the Audi S4, BMW Z4, BMW 335d, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang, For Mustang GT500, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Lexus HS250h, Lotus Evora, Mazda3, MazdaSpeed3, Mercedes E-Class, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The 2010 North American Truck of the Year list is only slightly shorter and includes: the Acura ZDX, BMw X5 xDrive 35d, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, GMC Terrain, Honda Crosstour, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner and Volvo XC60.

Many off these vehicles have yet to be officially released and some (like the Honda Crosstour) haven’t even been officially named yet.

Jurors will now begin the lengthy process of making a short list, with the final winners chosen at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Last year’s winners were the Hyundai Genesis and the Ford F-150.

[Source: Edmunds]